The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has admitted to owing the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) a significant amount totaling N495 million. This acknowledgment comes amidst a standoff between hospital staff and management over the unpaid electricity bill, resulting in a disconnection from public power supply. Initially, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Adetuyibi, had denied the extent of the debt, but later confirmed the figure, attributing the discrepancy to an error in communication.
As a result of the power disconnection, UCH staff, including doctors and nurses, have limited their working hours, refusing to work beyond 4.00 pm until power is restored. The workers’ union has threatened to escalate their protest to a seven-day strike if the hospital is not reconnected to the power supply by Tuesday, April 9. This situation poses significant challenges for patient care, as services are scaled back, impacting admissions, surgeries, and essential medical procedures beyond 4.00 pm.
The hospital management has appealed for assistance to settle the outstanding debt, emphasizing the urgent need for financial support. With the hospital unable to afford the N495 million bill, staff are advocating for external aid to alleviate the financial strain and ensure uninterrupted medical services. The standoff underscores the critical importance of reliable electricity supply for healthcare facilities and highlights the financial challenges facing public institutions in Nigeria.
